Flames Spotted In Wexford Wildfowl Reserve Called "Stupidity"

A nature group says lighting a fire in a nature reserve is the "epitome of stupidity."

The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve says it was notified of a small blaze in the Raven and are working to extinguish it this afternoon.

The group says the message came in just as they were delivering a talk on how best to protect the area.

It's asking anyone who spots flames within the reserve to contact them immediately.

The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is located on flat farmland on the North Slob which was walled off from Wexford Harbour and reclaimed from the sea in the 1840s partly as a famine relief project.

Over 250 bird species have been recorded on the Reserve and it's in the European network of nature protected areas called Natura 2000, the aim of which is to secure the long-term survival of Europe’s most threatened and vulnerable species and habitats.

Wexford County Council says all emergency calls for Wexford County Fire Service should be made to 999 or 112 only.

Council officials are warning that phoning any other number will cause a delay and valuable time may be lost.

To protect local woodlands and rural areas from wildfires, Wexford County Council advises the public not to light open fires or barbecues in or near forests, to park carefully without blocking emergency access.

That report was funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.

Picture Credit: Wexford Wildfowl Reserve Facebook Page